Frequently Asked Questions
Article last updated: 20/05/09
Q. What is North?
North is an investment, superannuation and pension offer from AXA Australia.
What sets North apart from our competitors are our unique guarantee options – the Protected Growth guarantee, Protected Investment guarantee and the Protected Retirement guarantee.
Via North investors can access a 100% guarantee for protection from some of the biggest investing issues, such as market volatility and the risk of outliving your savings.
Q. Can you describe North’s philosophy in a nutshell?
We began designing North in 2007, based on the success of similar protected products in the Global AXA Group’s portfolio.
In our view, when it comes to investing, there is always an element of risk which makes investors uncomfortable. To address this, North takes the fear out of investing. North helps to eliminate emotional reactions to market movements, helping investors to avoid trying to time the market, avoid herding, be comfortable with risk, and save more.
Q. What are the North guarantees?
The Protected Investment guarantee option (available over 6 and 8 year terms) guarantees to return all initial capital, all contributions, plus will lock in any growth as a result of positive investment performance every two years, provided your Account Value exceeds your Protected Balance on your Guarantee anniversary date.
The Protected Growth guarantee option (available over 10 and 20 year terms) guarantees to return all initial capital, all contributions, plus will lock in any growth as a result of positive investment performance each year, provided your Account Value exceeds your Protected Balance on your Guarantee anniversary date.
The Protected Retirement guarantee allows you to remain fully invested in the assets of your choice while still providing the security of a guaranteed retirement income for life. Your Income Benefit is guaranteed for life even if you run out of your own funds while in retirement.
Furthermore, each year we will lock in any growth as a result of positive investment performance on your Account Value, provided your Account Value is greater than your Income Base on your Guarantee anniversary date.
With innovative risk management techniques, North allows you to remain fully invested (100% participation, always) in growth assets of their choice, regardless of market conditions.
Importantly, selecting either of the guarantees can help you accelerate your investment, superannuation or pension strategy by increasing your exposure to growth assets without the downside risk that ordinarily accompanies them.
If you feel that you no longer require the guarantee, you can simply turn it off at your discretion without affecting your assets or policy.
Q. How can I access the North guarantees?
The North guarantees can be accessed via:
- North Investment (Investor Directed Portfolio Service),
- North Personal Superannuation
- North Personal Pension.
North Investment has been designed primarily for SMSF trustees, looking to protect part or all of their market investment.
The North Retirement guarantee is available to super and pension investors only.
Q. How do I start a North account?
To enter a North Investment, Superannuation or Pension plan, you need to speak with your financial adviser.
You adviser will help you determine your initial investment amount, any ongoing contributions or withdrawals, the term and type of guarantee that you choose, as well as the investment strategy that best suits your needs.
If you don’t have a financial adviser, please click here to search for a qualified adviser in your local area.
Q. Can I invest in a guaranteed North super account if I’m not sure when I want to retire?
The North guarantee options provide you with flexibility. You can remain in superannuation and make contributions, or switch to pension and receive pension payments at any time** – all without impacting your chosen guarantee or original investment term.
For more information on how you can help plan your retirement future using North, speak with your financial adviser.
Q. Can I view and update my information online?
Yes. North offers an easy-to-use online website that means checking your investments, making contributions and updating your details are only a click away.
In addition, you can speak with one of our dedicated team in the North Service Centre:
- Phone – 1800 North 1 (1800 667 841)
- Email – north@axa.com.au
